Michael Vann

Michael Vann, 91, of East Hartford passed away peacefully at his home Friday (May 29, 2009) surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on September 15, 1917, a son of the late Gabriel and Anna (Starace) Ventitozzi, Michael had resided in East Hartford for the past 59 years. Michael leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of fifty-nine years, Elina 'Lee'(Yaconiello) Vann, who was the love of his life. After he proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II (Division I Medical Corps), he began his distinguished career as a self-employed commercial artist. Michael was an accomplished fine artist commissioned by Connecticut Governors and several Hollywood celebrities. He was an avid golf and tennis enthusiast his entire life. He was well read and very knowledgeable about politics. Michael was a man of honor, intelligence, and humor. He was quiet but a prominent presence, strong, and kind. No words will ever be able to do him justice, he was a wonderful man. He will live in our hearts forever. Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by two brothers, Peter Vann of East Hartford and Anthony Vann of Hartford; and a sister, Carmella Reeves of Fairfax, VA. Along with his beloved wife, Lee, Michael is survived by a son, Mark Vann of East Hartford; a daughter, Carla Balesano and her husband, James, of Glastonbury; a grandson, Craig Damaschi and his wife, Rande, of Wethersfield; a great-grandson, Hayden Michael Damaschi; two brothers, John Vann and his wife, Mary, of Waterford, Louis Ventitozzi and his wife, Elly, of South Windsor; two sisters, Jeane Murphy and Marie Bull and her husband, Leonard, all of Bloomfield; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Private funeral services will be held at St. Christopher Church in East Hartford. Private burial will be in the family plot at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's name may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc., 270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 229, Farmington, CT 06032. The D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.